Podcasts about prayer heavenly father

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260907dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 Your Brother’s or Sister’s Keeper With these words, Jesus wants you to know that you are your brother's or sister's keeper. Now, because this concept can be so easily misunderstood, it's helpful to define exactly what Jesus means. In this case, a brother or sister is someone who belongs to the same spiritual family, someone who shares your faith in Jesus Christ. And this is a brother or sister who has sinned. They have done something God clearly forbids or failed to do something God clearly commands. This is also someone who needs to be shown their sin. Perhaps they are unaware that what they are doing is sinful. Or perhaps they know exactly what the Bible says but have chosen to continue anyway. Jesus is talking about people who have given themselves over to a deliberate pattern of sin. Understand, then, what Jesus is not saying. He is not sending you out to confront every stranger you meet. He is not telling you to correct those who think or act differently than you. He isn’t commanding you to challenge people simply because they disagree with you or irritate you. Rather, Jesus sends you to a fellow believer who has clearly wandered into sin and is persisting in it. Why does he do it? Why does he send us to be our brother or sister’s keeper? Because deliberate, unrepentant sin is dangerous. Left unchecked, it destroys people’s faith. If someone you loved were heading toward a cliff without realizing it, wouldn’t you warn them? How much more when their eternal life is at stake? There is another reason too. If a brother or sister repents of their sin, they receive full and immediate forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The Savior who died for every sin has already paid for theirs as well. Wouldn’t you want them to know that? Wouldn't you want to be the one to tell them that good news? Prayer: Heavenly Father, strengthen me to act as my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Thank you for allowing me to tell your people what they need to hear. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260907dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 Your Brother’s or Sister’s Keeper With these words, Jesus wants you to know that you are your brother's or sister's keeper. Now, because this concept can be so easily misunderstood, it's helpful to define exactly what Jesus means. In this case, a brother or sister is someone who belongs to the same spiritual family, someone who shares your faith in Jesus Christ. And this is a brother or sister who has sinned. They have done something God clearly forbids or failed to do something God clearly commands. This is also someone who needs to be shown their sin. Perhaps they are unaware that what they are doing is sinful. Or perhaps they know exactly what the Bible says but have chosen to continue anyway. Jesus is talking about people who have given themselves over to a deliberate pattern of sin. Understand, then, what Jesus is not saying. He is not sending you out to confront every stranger you meet. He is not telling you to correct those who think or act differently than you. He isn’t commanding you to challenge people simply because they disagree with you or irritate you. Rather, Jesus sends you to a fellow believer who has clearly wandered into sin and is persisting in it. Why does he do it? Why does he send us to be our brother or sister’s keeper? Because deliberate, unrepentant sin is dangerous. Left unchecked, it destroys people’s faith. If someone you loved were heading toward a cliff without realizing it, wouldn’t you warn them? How much more when their eternal life is at stake? There is another reason too. If a brother or sister repents of their sin, they receive full and immediate forgiveness through Jesus Christ. The Savior who died for every sin has already paid for theirs as well. Wouldn’t you want them to know that? Wouldn't you want to be the one to tell them that good news? Prayer: Heavenly Father, strengthen me to act as my brother’s and sister’s keeper. Thank you for allowing me to tell your people what they need to hear. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Daily Dose of Hope September 7, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 22   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today in awe.  You are almighty and wise but also filled with love and mercy.  And we have the pleasure of experiencing that love and mercy.  Despite our brokenness, you care for us and you continue to walk alongside us.  Thank you, Lord, for your patience.  Help us to focus more on you.  Fill us with a consuming desire to know you better.  Work in us.  Stretch us.  Challenge us.  Convict us.  We love you.  Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through the book of Genesis and today we are looking at Genesis 22.   In our reading for today, we have Abraham almost sacrificing his only son, Isaac.  This passage has always kind of bothered me.  It seems inconsistent with God's character to want Abraham to kill his son.  And remember, when something seems off, we need to dig deeper.  What is God doing here?  In the past, Abraham doubted God.  Think about all the mishaps we have been reading about.  He tried to have children his own way instead of waiting on God.  He repeatedly tried to pass Sarah off as a sister instead of his wife. By asking Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, God was testing Abraham.  Does Abraham finally trust God?  He is finally ready to trust in God's provision?  I don't think God ever intended harm to come to Isaac.  I think he wanted to see how much Abraham had grown.   Besides that, this passage is a beautiful foretelling of another sacrifice.  God himself sacrificed his only son in order for us to be reconciled to a holy God.  John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.    At the end of the chapter, we find more genealogy.  At first, this seemed out of place.  But when you dig beneath the surface, it actually makes sense.  This genealogy lists the family members of Abraham's brother, Nahor.  Nahor has many descendants, including a granddaughter named Rebekah.  Rebekah will eventually become Isaac's wife.  God has the covenant line all taken care of.    Blessings, Pastor Vicki

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260906dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 Forgiving and Forgetting When Jesus lived in this world, he demonstrated again and again his great love for people. He helped them with their physical needs, but more importantly he shared with them the message which satisfied their spiritual needs. He stated that he had come to seek and save the lost. The lost sometimes included people with whom he was well acquainted. Recall, for example, how Jesus went to Peter who had disgracefully denied his Lord and reminded Peter of his sin and then lovingly restored his apostle. In today’s Bible passage, Jesus is speaking about the personal ministry we have with and for other Christians. When we see a Christian slip into sin and continue to live impenitently in that sin, Jesus wants us to do something about it. Jesus’ concern is not that we try to reform a fellow Christian’s irritating habits or change his personality quirks. He is speaking about living impenitently in a particular sin which defies the Word of God. Can we dare to become apathetic about a person who is in danger of eternal separation from God? Hardly! Jesus says, “Go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.” Take the initiative. Don’t wait for the person to come to you. And go alone first. Keep the matter as private as possible. Jesus doesn’t want sin spread around. When you have pointed out someone’s sin, and he listens to you and agrees, then assure him that God forgives him and so do you. Then be sure to leave the sin behind. If not letting go of someone else’s past and forgiven sins is something you struggle with, take this to God in prayer. Ask your heavenly Father to help you forgive and forget the sin of others just as he has dealt with your sin through Christ. God declares, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Prayer: Heavenly Father, as you have forgiven me through Jesus, so help me to forgive others from the heart and gladly do good to those who sin against me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260906dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Matthew 18:15 Forgiving and Forgetting When Jesus lived in this world, he demonstrated again and again his great love for people. He helped them with their physical needs, but more importantly he shared with them the message which satisfied their spiritual needs. He stated that he had come to seek and save the lost. The lost sometimes included people with whom he was well acquainted. Recall, for example, how Jesus went to Peter who had disgracefully denied his Lord and reminded Peter of his sin and then lovingly restored his apostle. In today’s Bible passage, Jesus is speaking about the personal ministry we have with and for other Christians. When we see a Christian slip into sin and continue to live impenitently in that sin, Jesus wants us to do something about it. Jesus’ concern is not that we try to reform a fellow Christian’s irritating habits or change his personality quirks. He is speaking about living impenitently in a particular sin which defies the Word of God. Can we dare to become apathetic about a person who is in danger of eternal separation from God? Hardly! Jesus says, “Go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.” Take the initiative. Don’t wait for the person to come to you. And go alone first. Keep the matter as private as possible. Jesus doesn’t want sin spread around. When you have pointed out someone’s sin, and he listens to you and agrees, then assure him that God forgives him and so do you. Then be sure to leave the sin behind. If not letting go of someone else’s past and forgiven sins is something you struggle with, take this to God in prayer. Ask your heavenly Father to help you forgive and forget the sin of others just as he has dealt with your sin through Christ. God declares, “I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). Prayer: Heavenly Father, as you have forgiven me through Jesus, so help me to forgive others from the heart and gladly do good to those who sin against me. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260902dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23 Groan With Hope The Bible calls the blessings we receive as Christians (for example, the peace of forgiveness) the “firstfruits.” The full harvest is coming. We have not experienced all the blessings that God promised. Therefore, we still battle temptations and fight our sinful nature. We still feel the aches of aging bodies. Because sin has left its mark on us, we groan. But the Christian’s groan is different. The world hopes things might get better. The Christian groans with certainty. We know things will get better. Our groaning is not the cry of someone abandoned by God. It is the longing of a child waiting to go home. The apostle Paul says we wait for “the redemption of our bodies.” What a wonderful promise! God is not interested only in saving our souls. Jesus redeemed the whole person. The same body that grows tired and eventually dies will be raised in glory. On the Last Day, Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. No disease. No disability. No pain. No death. Only perfect life in the presence of our Savior. How can we be so sure? Because Jesus has already walked this path. He groaned under the weight of our sin. He endured the agony of the cross. His body was laid in a grave. But on the third day, he rose. His resurrection is God’s guarantee that ours is coming. His resurrection was the firstfruit of others to come. Until then, we do not pretend life is easy. We bring our griefs, disappointments, and fears to our Savior. We groan and pray fervently. And we wait eagerly, knowing that every day brings us one step closer to the moment when our groans are drowned out by the song of victory that God’s children will one day sing forever. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child through faith in Jesus. When I grow weary under the burdens of this life, strengthen my hope as I wait for the resurrection of my body and the joy of living forever in your presence. Through Jesus Christ, my risen Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260902dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. Romans 8:23 Groan With Hope The Bible calls the blessings we receive as Christians (for example, the peace of forgiveness) the “firstfruits.” The full harvest is coming. We have not experienced all the blessings that God promised. Therefore, we still battle temptations and fight our sinful nature. We still feel the aches of aging bodies. Because sin has left its mark on us, we groan. But the Christian’s groan is different. The world hopes things might get better. The Christian groans with certainty. We know things will get better. Our groaning is not the cry of someone abandoned by God. It is the longing of a child waiting to go home. The apostle Paul says we wait for “the redemption of our bodies.” What a wonderful promise! God is not interested only in saving our souls. Jesus redeemed the whole person. The same body that grows tired and eventually dies will be raised in glory. On the Last Day, Christ will transform our lowly bodies to be like his glorious body. No disease. No disability. No pain. No death. Only perfect life in the presence of our Savior. How can we be so sure? Because Jesus has already walked this path. He groaned under the weight of our sin. He endured the agony of the cross. His body was laid in a grave. But on the third day, he rose. His resurrection is God’s guarantee that ours is coming. His resurrection was the firstfruit of others to come. Until then, we do not pretend life is easy. We bring our griefs, disappointments, and fears to our Savior. We groan and pray fervently. And we wait eagerly, knowing that every day brings us one step closer to the moment when our groans are drowned out by the song of victory that God’s children will one day sing forever. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child through faith in Jesus. When I grow weary under the burdens of this life, strengthen my hope as I wait for the resurrection of my body and the joy of living forever in your presence. Through Jesus Christ, my risen Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260825dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus replied . . . “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:17 Faith Is a Gift Many people think becoming a Christian is simply a matter of deciding to believe. Jesus tells a different story. After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus said this understanding did not come from Peter’s own intelligence or effort. God had revealed it to him. That is encouraging news. Jesus does not tell you to manufacture faith by trying harder. Instead, Christianity teaches that God comes to us. He speaks to us through his Word. He reveals his Son. He creates faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, where there was none before. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). Think about every important relationship in your life. You only know another person because they chose to reveal themselves to you. The same is true of God. We cannot climb our way up to him. He must come down to us. And in Jesus, he has done just that. That is why Christians gather around the Bible. We believe it is God's own message, revealing his love through Jesus Christ. The wonderful news is that God is not hiding from you. He wants you to know him. He wants you to know that your sins are forgiven because of Jesus. He wants you to know that death is not the end. He wants you to know that you are invited into his family—not because you have earned it, but because he loves you. As you face today’s challenges, remember that your hope rests not in the strength of your faith, but in the object of your faith—Jesus Christ himself. He is the Rock of your salvation, the One who never changes, and the Savior who keeps all his promises (see Psalm 18:1-2). So, keep reading the Bible, asking your questions honestly, and being filled with the Word of God at a faithful Christian church. God has a history of meeting people through his Word. Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal your Son to me. Help me understand the message of the Bible and lead me to trust in Jesus as my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Daily Dose of Hope August 25, 2026   Scripture:  Genesis 14   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you today in awe of your Word. Thank you for speaking to us through Scripture.  Help us commit to being grounded in your truth.  Help us make learning more about you a priority.  We get so distracted!  The world comes at us from all sides.  Lord, in these next few moments of silence, help us set aside our scattered thoughts and focus on you...In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the daily Bible reading plan at New Hope Church.  We are currently doing a deep dive into the book of Genesis and this will be followed by a deep dive into Exodus.  Today's reading is Genesis 14.   In today's reading, we have the first recorded battle in Genesis.  It's also the only time Abram is connected to warfare (who knew he had so many armed men at his disposal?)  You might have noticed here that Abram is called a Hebrew as well.    But what is going on?  Remember that Abram and Lot are now living in separate places.  Lot actually lived in Sodom, which happened to be captured in the battle described in verses 1-11.  Lot is taken captive.    Now, God has promised to protect and care for Abram and it seems he is finally trusting in that.  Abram goes into battle to save his nephew and is very successful.  He meets up with two kings, Melchizedek (Salem's priestly king) and the king of Sodom.  Melchizedek comes with wine, food, and blessings.  The king of Sodom comes with his hand out.  These were obviously very different kings, which seem to further highlight the difference between Abram and Lot.  Abram is upstanding and generous, not worried about wealth or property.  Lot is living in what we will learn is a sinful place, possibly hanging out with the wrong people, and espousing values that are very different from Abram's.   I want to just briefly touch on King Melchizedek.  If his name sounds familiar, it may because the author of Hebrews says that Jesus is a priest and king, in the order of Melchizedek.  What does this mean?  Well, Jesus was not in the family line of priests.  His appointment as high priest and king came directly from God.  This is similar to Melchizedek, who is kind of mysterious figure, a king-priest which would have been highly unusual.  We have no evidence that Melchizedek's kingship or priestship were inherited.  Yet, he is called a priest of the most high God.  Did God directly appoint him too?  We really don't know, but it is fascinating that the author of Hebrews makes this connection.   More tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260825dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Jesus replied . . . “This was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:17 Faith Is a Gift Many people think becoming a Christian is simply a matter of deciding to believe. Jesus tells a different story. After Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, Jesus said this understanding did not come from Peter’s own intelligence or effort. God had revealed it to him. That is encouraging news. Jesus does not tell you to manufacture faith by trying harder. Instead, Christianity teaches that God comes to us. He speaks to us through his Word. He reveals his Son. He creates faith in his Son, Jesus Christ, where there was none before. “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ” (Romans 10:17). Think about every important relationship in your life. You only know another person because they chose to reveal themselves to you. The same is true of God. We cannot climb our way up to him. He must come down to us. And in Jesus, he has done just that. That is why Christians gather around the Bible. We believe it is God's own message, revealing his love through Jesus Christ. The wonderful news is that God is not hiding from you. He wants you to know him. He wants you to know that your sins are forgiven because of Jesus. He wants you to know that death is not the end. He wants you to know that you are invited into his family—not because you have earned it, but because he loves you. As you face today’s challenges, remember that your hope rests not in the strength of your faith, but in the object of your faith—Jesus Christ himself. He is the Rock of your salvation, the One who never changes, and the Savior who keeps all his promises (see Psalm 18:1-2). So, keep reading the Bible, asking your questions honestly, and being filled with the Word of God at a faithful Christian church. God has a history of meeting people through his Word. Prayer: Heavenly Father, reveal your Son to me. Help me understand the message of the Bible and lead me to trust in Jesus as my Savior. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260818dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household. Ephesians 2:19 It’s Getting Personal Most people know what it feels like to be an outsider. Perhaps you have walked into a room where everyone else seemed to know each other. Perhaps you have moved to a new community, started a new job, or attended an unfamiliar gathering. Being a stranger can be lonely. Paul says that this was our spiritual condition apart from Christ. We were “foreigners and strangers.” Because of sin, we were separated from God. We did not belong in his kingdom. We could not claim a place in his family. The holy God seemed far away, and we had no right to draw near. But then Jesus changed everything. Through his perfect life and sacrificial death, Jesus removed the barrier that stood between God and us. He took away our guilt and reconciled us to the Father. Now Paul can announce the astonishing result: “You are no longer foreigners and strangers.” Notice that God does not merely grant us a visitor’s pass. He does not allow us to stand at a respectful distance from his holiness. He brings us near. Very near. Paul first says that we are “fellow citizens with God’s people.” We belong to God’s kingdom. We have a place, a name, and an inheritance. But Paul goes even further. We are “members of his household.” God could have saved us and kept us at arm’s length. Instead, he welcomes us into his home. Think about what a household means. Family members share daily life together. They enjoy the father’s protection, provision, and love. They have access to him. They know his voice. They belong. When life makes you feel alone or forgotten, remember where you belong. Through Jesus, you are not standing outside God’s house hoping to be noticed. The door has been opened, and you have been welcomed in. You are a member of God’s own household. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing me near through Jesus Christ. Help me live each day in the comfort of your personal love and presence. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Watch the Devotion Based on Ephesians 2:13-22 You Belong  When have you felt like an outsider? Some of you have shared with me stories about the times you've been embedded with locals, in a country on the other side of the world. Or times when you've sat down with tribal leaders. Veterans have shared stories about their transition from active duty to the civilian side and while working and living among civilians, they look around and say, “These aren't my people. I don't feel like I belong.” As a civilian, I've often felt that way when giving an invocation at a military ceremony or leading a Bible study or worship service surrounded by people in uniform, I say to myself, “I do not belong here.”   But the place I most often feel that way is in the presence of my almighty, holy God. Do you ever feel that way? Whether you are sitting in the pew at church or at home in prayer and devotion, it happens often that I do not feel that I belong there. As I reflect on his Word that I hear and read, his Word convicts my conscience. At times I have been lax in my vocations in the way I fail to love and serve others. I do not belong around them or my God.      Then Jesus reminds me and you, “Yes, you do belong here. For you are a sinner in desperate need of forgiveness, but that does not exclude you from belonging to me and with me.” The one before whom we stand provides just that: belonging. He brings us in. Listen to his Word from the apostle Paul: But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. . . .Consequently, you are no longer   foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Ephesians 2:13,19-22)    My friend, when you sit in church, or at your kitchen table, or lie in bed with folded hands, know this: you belong. Christ has given his blood, the guiltless to make the guilty innocent, the holy one to make the unclean blameless, the priceless one makes us mortals immortal. We who were outsiders, foreigners, aliens, strangers, he makes you and me his friends, his brother and sister, a son and daughter to his Father in heaven, now and forever. Yes, you belong because of Christ Jesus.    Prayer: Heavenly Father, we confess that because of our sins we deserve to be strangers to you and unworthy to stand in your presence. Yet in your great mercy you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, whose holy life and precious blood have brought us near to you. Thank you for making us members of your family, citizens of your kingdom, and heirs of eternal life. When guilt or loneliness makes our nation's war fighters and veterans feel like outsiders, remind them that they belong to you because of Christ alone. In his name we pray. Amen.  Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Daily Dose of Hope August 7, 2026   Scripture: Genesis 3   Prayer: Heavenly Father, you are almighty and all-powerful.  You are God of all and yet you care for us.  Thank you, Lord.  Help us settle our scattered thoughts and be silent before you...Thank you, Jesus.  Please guide us as we reflect on your Word today.  Meet us in the midst of our reading and this devotional.  In Your Name, Amen.      Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We started a new reading plan this week – a deep dive into Genesis and Exodus.  Today's reading was Genesis 3.   Genesis 3 describes what we typically call the fall.  God had designed a perfect world for Adam and Eve. That was the original design. They had food to eat. They wandered around talking to God. There was nothing bad, no sickness, no pain, no problems. Life was perfect. The only thing they couldn't do was decide for themselves the difference between right and wrong – that was God's job.  And while the whole garden was theirs, there was one tree that was off limits.  We could blame Adam and Eve's disobedience on the serpent – I mean, he was crafty.  But it was really their fault.  They knew the rules.  They chose to go a different way.  They rejected God.  They failed to trust that he knew best.   God could have designed it so that Adam and Eve would have been forced to love him and follow his rules. But God wanted them, just like he wants us, to actually choose to love him. Think about what it would be like if you could force someone to love you – is that really love? No, of course not. And God wanted humans to have free choice and to freely choose to follow him. He wanted people to choose to reciprocate his love. Adam and Eve had a choice – they could choose God's path or their own.  When they chose their own way, that is the fall, that is when sin entered the world.   And when sin entered the world with Adam, it became pervasive.  If you compare sin to a disease, there became a pandemic of sin--- it was like Adam messed up and everyone after him did too; everyone after him became infected.  It also certainly pointed out humanity's rebellious nature.  This follows us everywhere.  We will see it in the chapters to come, in all of the Bible, and we see it around the world today.  Sin is everywhere and the consequences of sin are everywhere.  And it gets in the way of our relationship with God.    There is only one answer to sin and that's Jesus.  But more about that to come.   Let's now move into our going deeper discussion with Emmy Roberts...

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260805dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:19-21 Grace Before an Empty Table Imagine a family of five gathered around the table for dinner. The problem is, there is hardly anything on it—one slice of bread, a bit of fish, nowhere near enough for everyone. Now imagine the father folding his hands and praying, “Thank you, Lord, for this abundant feast.” Wouldn’t that strike you as strange? We give thanks for what we have received, not for what is missing. Yet that is very nearly what Jesus did. Before more than five thousand hungry people, he took five small loaves and two fish—a meal for maybe a couple of people—looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He gave thanks before anyone had eaten. He gave thanks before there was enough to go around. Then he began to break the bread, and it did not run out. Everyone ate until they were satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers remained. How could Jesus give thanks over such a small supply? Because he was not measuring the food. He was trusting his heavenly Father, whose love and generosity have no limit. Our prayers often run in the opposite direction. We wait to see the provision before offering thanksgiving. When the account balance is low, or the diagnosis is uncertain, gratitude may be the last thing on our minds—as if God’s goodness depended on what we can see on the table in front of us. Look instead at what God has already graciously given. He did not spare his own Son but gave him up to die for your sins and rise again. If God has already given you his greatest treasure, will he fail to give you your daily bread? Jesus’ thanksgiving was not wishful thinking but confidence in his Father’s promises. Through Jesus, that same confidence belongs to you. Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to thank you before I see your answer, trusting that you will provide all that I need. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260805dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:19-21 Grace Before an Empty Table Imagine a family of five gathered around the table for dinner. The problem is, there is hardly anything on it—one slice of bread, a bit of fish, nowhere near enough for everyone. Now imagine the father folding his hands and praying, “Thank you, Lord, for this abundant feast.” Wouldn’t that strike you as strange? We give thanks for what we have received, not for what is missing. Yet that is very nearly what Jesus did. Before more than five thousand hungry people, he took five small loaves and two fish—a meal for maybe a couple of people—looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He gave thanks before anyone had eaten. He gave thanks before there was enough to go around. Then he began to break the bread, and it did not run out. Everyone ate until they were satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers remained. How could Jesus give thanks over such a small supply? Because he was not measuring the food. He was trusting his heavenly Father, whose love and generosity have no limit. Our prayers often run in the opposite direction. We wait to see the provision before offering thanksgiving. When the account balance is low, or the diagnosis is uncertain, gratitude may be the last thing on our minds—as if God’s goodness depended on what we can see on the table in front of us. Look instead at what God has already graciously given. He did not spare his own Son but gave him up to die for your sins and rise again. If God has already given you his greatest treasure, will he fail to give you your daily bread? Jesus’ thanksgiving was not wishful thinking but confidence in his Father’s promises. Through Jesus, that same confidence belongs to you. Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to thank you before I see your answer, trusting that you will provide all that I need. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260805dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:19-21 Grace Before an Empty Table Imagine a family of five gathered around the table for dinner. The problem is, there is hardly anything on it—one slice of bread, a bit of fish, nowhere near enough for everyone. Now imagine the father folding his hands and praying, “Thank you, Lord, for this abundant feast.” Wouldn’t that strike you as strange? We give thanks for what we have received, not for what is missing. Yet that is very nearly what Jesus did. Before more than five thousand hungry people, he took five small loaves and two fish—a meal for maybe a couple of people—looked up to heaven and gave thanks. He gave thanks before anyone had eaten. He gave thanks before there was enough to go around. Then he began to break the bread, and it did not run out. Everyone ate until they were satisfied, and twelve baskets of leftovers remained. How could Jesus give thanks over such a small supply? Because he was not measuring the food. He was trusting his heavenly Father, whose love and generosity have no limit. Our prayers often run in the opposite direction. We wait to see the provision before offering thanksgiving. When the account balance is low, or the diagnosis is uncertain, gratitude may be the last thing on our minds—as if God’s goodness depended on what we can see on the table in front of us. Look instead at what God has already graciously given. He did not spare his own Son but gave him up to die for your sins and rise again. If God has already given you his greatest treasure, will he fail to give you your daily bread? Jesus’ thanksgiving was not wishful thinking but confidence in his Father’s promises. Through Jesus, that same confidence belongs to you. Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to thank you before I see your answer, trusting that you will provide all that I need. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/ece-devotions/20260803ECME.mp3 Listen to Devotion Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in his heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment – to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ. Ephesians 1:3-10 Christians Trust God to Provide “Father in heaven, hear my prayer. Keep me in your loving care. Be my guide in all I do and bless all those who love me, too.” A child prays this bedtime prayer and then drifts off to sleep, trusting that in the morning he will still have a house to live in, clothes to wear, food to eat, and a family that cares for him. Meanwhile, down the hall, his father stares at the ceiling above his bed, worrying about the work that needs to be done the next day, the car that needs repair, the bills that need to be paid, and the safety of his teenager who will be driving home from work late that night. Do you end each day asking your heavenly Father to provide for the next day? Or do you lie awake wondering how you will manage the challenges of the future? Our Bible reading reassures us that God already blesses us with every spiritual blessing and that through Jesus Christ we are his adopted children who will inherit everything he has prepared for us. As children of the Father, how much more will he provide us with every physical need? Jesus reminds us in his Sermon on the Mount that he provides for birds and flowers, so how much more will he provide for us! In Matthew 6:31-33 Jesus says, “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?' or ‘What shall we drink?' or ‘What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Often, we are tempted to rely on our own strength and devices to face the struggles of life and provide for ourselves and our families. We like to have control. It's part of our human nature. But the sooner we realize that God is truly in control, the sooner we will have peace knowing that God will provide our every need just as he has always done in the past. Lay your head on your pillow tonight, confident that God will provide for the next day. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I am grateful for all the blessings, both spiritual and physical, that you provide for me each day. Help me to rely on you to provide rather than on my own strength. Amen. Early Childhood Ministry Educator’s (ECME) Devotions are brought to you by WELS Commission on Lutheran Schools. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Today's Bible Verse: "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." - James 4:8 Become a BibleStudyTools.com PLUS Member today: https://www.biblestudytools.com/subscribe/ Looking for a peaceful way to end your day? Listen to "Your Nightly Scripture" to end your day with God's word Meet Today’s Host: Reverend Jessica Van Roekel

Many creation supporters are Christians that are also interested in ancient history and like to read about the latest archaeological discoveries. However, they are concerned when, say, some very ancient remains are carbon-14 dated at forty or even fifty thousand years old. According to the Bible, the Creation itself is no more than 10,000 years old, so how does the Bible-believing Christian handle this kind of information? To assure ourselves, we need to lift the cloak of secrecy about carbon-14 dating.Willard Libby developed the carbon-14 dating method in 1947. This was considered such a major breakthrough that he received the Nobel Prize a few years later. However, like every other method of measurement, the method itself had to be calibrated against things of historically dated and known age. Libby used wooden coffin lids and for the earliest dates was obliged to use historically dated material from Egypt. Libby reported in a footnote that the Egyptologist had confessed that Egyptian dating is “perhaps five centuries too old at five thousand years.” This one little foot-note reveals that if Egyptian dates were honestly brought forward by five hundred years, they would confirm the biblical Exodus. Secondly, any ages greater than about 5,000 years are beyond the range of historical calibration. The bottom line is that the carbon-14 method does have several serious and recognized problems beyond about 2,000 years.1 Corinthians 3:18“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.”Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You that You are patient with us, especially when we read of discoveries and begin to doubt Your Word. Continue to teach me and give me understanding. In Jesus' Name. Amen.Image: Willard Frank Libby in Lab, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260615dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? . . . Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:25,32-33 Why Worry? Aren’t five-year-olds silly? Sometimes they get upset over such insignificant things. They cry because they can’t find their teddy bear or because their favorite television show is over. As adults, we can only shake our heads at these silly little creatures who allow themselves to become miserable over such minor problems. It makes one wonder how our heavenly Father’s head must shake when he watches over us. We worry about this. We worry about that. Such silliness. Jesus commands us not to worry. He is very serious about it because he knows that our heavenly Father does more than shake his head at our worrying. He shakes his fist. Worrying angers God because when we worry we are telling our Father that we don’t trust him to take care of us. Thank God that Jesus did more than command us not to worry. He endured his Father’s anger at our sinful worrying. He took the punishment that should have been ours, so we don’t have to worry about God being angry at us. We don't have to worry about ANYTHING. Your Father loves you. He wants what is best for you. He knows what is best for you. Instead of worrying about things that you need for life, look to your Father in heaven, who promises to provide for you. The longer you linger in his Word, the more you will say to yourself, “What was I worried about? How silly!” Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times I fail to trust in your love and provision. Give me eyes that look to you for help in every need. Give me ears to hear the promises found in your Word. Give me a heart to trust that you are all I need and that I need never worry. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In 1970, Dr. Michael Youssef was newly arrived in Sydney with almost nothing—just one hundred borrowed dollars and a humble job at the telephone company. His supervisor noticed something surprising: despite poverty and uncertainty, Dr. Youssef was consistently calm, content, and unshaken. When asked why, Dr. Youssef answered plainly: peace came when he surrendered everything to Christ—plans, goals, finances, circumstances, and even anxiety. But his boss's response reveals the real barrier many face: “I couldn't do that… I could never surrender my will to anyone.” He knew the Gospel and even went to church at times, yet he refused to place God in charge. This devotional confronts a timeless truth: peace is free—you can't earn it or buy it—but it will cost you surrender. You can't clutch control and experience Christ's peace at the same time. The invitation is clear: lay down your weapons, release your grip, and let Jesus lead your life. What He gives in return is the security and calm your heart has been searching for. Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know the only way to divine peace is to surrender to You, the God of peace. Help me to never resist Your call to give everything to You. Thank You for the free gift of Your peace. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.  “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you” (Isaiah 26:3). Learn more in Dr. Michael A. Youssef's sermon A Heart for God, Peace Beyond Reason: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW The voice you hear on the MY Devotional podcast is digitally generated with Dr. Youssef's permission. If today's devotional stirred a question, burden, or need for prayer, you don't have to walk through it alone.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260615dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion [Jesus said] “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? . . . Your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:25,32-33 Why Worry? Aren’t five-year-olds silly? Sometimes they get upset over such insignificant things. They cry because they can’t find their teddy bear or because their favorite television show is over. As adults, we can only shake our heads at these silly little creatures who allow themselves to become miserable over such minor problems. It makes one wonder how our heavenly Father’s head must shake when he watches over us. We worry about this. We worry about that. Such silliness. Jesus commands us not to worry. He is very serious about it because he knows that our heavenly Father does more than shake his head at our worrying. He shakes his fist. Worrying angers God because when we worry we are telling our Father that we don’t trust him to take care of us. Thank God that Jesus did more than command us not to worry. He endured his Father’s anger at our sinful worrying. He took the punishment that should have been ours, so we don’t have to worry about God being angry at us. We don't have to worry about ANYTHING. Your Father loves you. He wants what is best for you. He knows what is best for you. Instead of worrying about things that you need for life, look to your Father in heaven, who promises to provide for you. The longer you linger in his Word, the more you will say to yourself, “What was I worried about? How silly!” Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for the many times I fail to trust in your love and provision. Give me eyes that look to you for help in every need. Give me ears to hear the promises found in your Word. Give me a heart to trust that you are all I need and that I need never worry. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

When we sin and feel the weight of it, most of us have one instinctive response: hide. We pull back from God, we feel the shame settle in, and we wonder if we have disappointed Him too deeply this time. But that instinct — as old as Adam and Eve reaching for fig leaves in the garden — is precisely what God's discipline is designed to interrupt. He does not let us drift without consequence because He is indifferent. He disciplines us because He is a good Father who loves us too much to leave us where we are. Hebrews 12:11 is honest about what discipline feels like in the moment — it is sorrowful, not joyful. There is no use pretending otherwise. But the verse does not stop there. It promises that for those who are trained by it, discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. The discomfort is never the destination; it is the path back to fellowship with the Father, back to sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, back to the image of Christ being formed more fully in us. Our position before God never changes when we sin — we are still His, still covered by the righteousness of Christ, still loved with an unconditional and pursuing love that nothing can stop. But repentance matters, because sin hinders fellowship, and God wants us close. When the Father's correction comes, the wisest and most freeing response is not to run from it, but toward it — and toward Him. Today's Bible Verse "All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness." — Hebrews 12:11, NASB Ponder Today God disciplines those He loves — His correction is not a sign of rejection but of deep, committed love from a Father who refuses to let His children drift without consequence. Hiding from God when we sin only deepens the distance — repentance is not what earns us back His love, but it is what keeps our fellowship with Him open and unhindered. Discipline is uncomfortable by design — but it is always purposeful, working in us the peaceful fruit of righteousness that comfortable seasons cannot produce on their own. Our position before God never changes when we sin — we are still His children, still covered in Christ's righteousness — but sin can make our hearts grow callous and our sensitivity to the Holy Spirit grow dim. Conviction, repentance, and discipline are gifts, not punishments — they are evidence of a Father who loves us too much to leave us where we are and is actively conforming us into the image of His Son. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, when I sin, my first response is to hide because I feel like I have disappointed You. Help my heart to understand Your great love and mercy toward me — that Christ died so I could be called Your child, and nothing can change that or separate me from Your love. Because You are a good Father, You discipline Your children so we can grow and be transformed into more of Your likeness. When I stray and disobey, make me quick to repent and run to You rather than away from You. Help me receive not only Your great compassion but also Your correction, knowing that both flow from the same perfect love. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

There are few tests of genuine faith more revealing than the moment someone wrongs us — and we have to decide what to do with it. The instinct to hold on, to keep score, to wait for an apology before we extend any grace, runs deep in every human heart. And yet Jesus, in Luke 6, calls His followers to something that cuts directly against that instinct: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and be merciful — just as your Father is merciful. That is not a suggestion for the spiritually advanced. It is a command for every believer, rooted in the most foundational truth of the gospel: we did not deserve the mercy God extended to us, and yet He gave it extravagantly anyway. Because we have freely received, we are called to freely give. This does not mean ignoring harmful behavior or abandoning healthy boundaries — but it does mean that unforgiveness has no rightful home in the heart of someone who has stood before a holy God and received pardon. We are not God. We cannot stand in His place as Judge. What we can do — what His Spirit empowers us to do — is love, bless, pray, and pardon, even when every part of us would rather hold on. Mercy is at the heart of the gospel, and every opportunity to extend it is an invitation to look more like Jesus. Today's Bible Verse "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." — Luke 6:35-36, NASB Ponder Today The command to show mercy is not reserved for easy situations or repentant offenders — Jesus calls us to love, bless, and pray for those who have wronged us, regardless of whether they have said sorry. Holding unforgiveness does not put us in a position of power — it puts us in the place of God, which is a place we were never designed to occupy and cannot sustain. We have no grounds to withhold mercy from others when we ourselves have received it so extravagantly from a holy God whose standard none of us could meet apart from Christ. Showing mercy does not mean ignoring harmful behavior or abandoning healthy boundaries — it means refusing to let bitterness and unforgiveness take root in our hearts at the expense of our own spiritual health. Mercy is at the very heart of the gospel — every opportunity to extend it to someone who doesn't deserve it is a chance to reflect the character of a God who extended it to us first. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I do not deserve Your mercy, yet You have been so extravagant with Your love for me. Help me reflect on the gift of Your forgiveness daily, so that I can extend that same grace to others — even those who have hurt me, misunderstood me, or spoken against me. When I am tempted to hold onto bitterness or speak words I will regret, set a guard over my mouth and cultivate in me the fruit of self-control by the power of Your Spirit. Help me walk peaceably, with gentleness and humility, as Your Word commands. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Mother's Day is a beautiful celebration for many — and for others, it is one of the hardest days of the year. For those who have lost their mothers, who are struggling with the complicated weight of grief, infertility, or a strained relationship, the pink displays and laughing advertisements can feel like pressure applied directly to a wound. And even for moms who are present and thriving, the day can carry a quiet loneliness — the sense that what they pour out every single day goes largely unseen. Psalm 111:4 tells us that God is gracious and compassionate — and not only that, but He causes His wondrous works to be remembered. He doesn't move on after showing kindness. He makes sure it leaves a mark. That is the kind of grace we are invited to extend to the mothers in our lives — not just on one Sunday in May, but on all the ordinary, invisible, relentless days when no one is celebrating them and they are running on empty anyway. It doesn't require a grand gesture. It might look like showing up with flowers and a hug, no speech prepared. It might look like a text that simply says, you're doing better than you think. Grace says: I see you, and you don't have to earn my kindness. May we be people who have received that grace from God so deeply that we cannot help but pour it out on others. Interested in creating something new with us? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Today's Bible Verse "He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate." — Psalm 111:4 Ponder Today Mother's Day is not a universally joyful day — those who are grieving, struggling, or lonely deserve to be seen and held with tenderness, not overlooked in the celebration. God is gracious and compassionate by nature — and He causes His wondrous works to be remembered, which means the small acts of grace we extend to others leave a lasting mark. Most moms are carrying far more than anyone can see — the mental load, the guilt, the fear, the loneliness — and grace says "I see you" without waiting for them to ask for help. Showing up without being asked is one of the most powerful forms of grace we can offer — a simple, unannounced act of kindness can be remembered for years. God's grace is sufficient for every mom today — she does not have to be perfect, she does not have to have it all together, and she is already fully known and fully loved by Him. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the moms in our lives — both the ones who are thriving and the ones who are barely holding on. You see every load of laundry, every whispered prayer over a sleeping child, every sacrifice that goes unnoticed, and every fear that goes unspoken. Make us people who extend Your grace to these women — not only on Mother's Day, but on all the ordinary, exhausting days when no one is celebrating them. Give us the courage to show up, to speak life, and to carry their burdens with them. And for every mom reading this, Father, remind her right now that Your grace is enough for today. She doesn't have to be perfect. She is already Yours. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Watch the Devotion Based on John 14:15-21  You Need Help Deployments come, schedules shift constantly, uncertainty hangs in the air—who holds things together? Who carries the weight at home? Who steadies the children, manages the household, bears the worry? Military spouses do.  You live a life of quiet sacrifice. Of constant adjustment. Of strength that often goes unseen. You step in again and again to help your family endure and thrive under pressure. And that matters. It reflects something deeper. Because every act of patient love, every moment of selfless service, every quiet sacrifice—points to the greater help we all need. Even the strongest mother cannot carry everything. Even the most faithful spouse needs support. Because no matter how capable, how resilient, how determined—we all come back to the same truth: You and I, we need help.    And that's where Jesus' promise meets us all— single or married, mothers, fathers, children, war fighters, civilians. He promises help.   Before Jesus goes to the cross and rises from the dead and the ascends into heaven, he reminds his disciples, and us, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth . . . I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you” (John 14:16-17a, 18). Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to all of us, to you. To remind you that your strength isn't what saves you. Christ is. To remind you that all of the guilt you carry for not doing enough, it isn't enough to save you, but Christ is. To remind you that peace isn't found when the bills are paid on time, the kids are well behaved, the yard is mowed and you found quiet time for yourself with a glass of wine and Netflix – peace is found in Christ, his forgiveness for you, his life for you, his resurrection for you. Peace is found in the truth that your eternal home is secure, no matter what a hot mess your house looks like today.  You – you and I – we need help, and Jesus gives it, by sending his Holy Spirit to you.   Prayer: Heavenly Father, in his incarnation your Son took on our human flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. He submitted to his mother, honoring and obeying her, so fulfilling the commandment where we have not. On this Mother's Day, graciously accept our thanksgiving for our mothers, whom you have given to us. Teach us to honor them aright — loving, obeying and giving thanks for them. Strengthen all women with child and give them safe delivery. Comfort all women who long to have children but cannot, that they may find their consolation in you and your unfailing love. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.     Written and recorded by Rev. Paul Horn, WELS National Civilian Chaplain to the Military, San Diego, California. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Pride is one of those sins that is almost impossible to see in ourselves — and that is precisely what makes it so dangerous. It doesn't announce itself. It doesn't feel like destruction in the making. It simply feels like confidence, like self-sufficiency, like the quiet conviction that we have things handled. And then, almost without warning, Proverbs 16:18 proves itself true again: pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. None of us is immune. The temptation to trust in our own abilities, to place ourselves at the center of our own story, to grasp for control that was never ours to hold — these are not struggles reserved for the obviously arrogant. They are the deeply human tendencies of every heart that has not been fully surrendered to God. The antidote is not self-improvement or trying harder to be humble. It is grace — the kind that only comes when we get low enough before God to admit that we cannot do this without Him. Jesus Himself, who had every reason to grasp for glory, emptied Himself and became a servant, humbling Himself to the point of death on a cross. That is the pattern we are invited to follow. Not because humility is easy, but because it is the only posture that keeps us close to the God who gives grace to the humble and resists the proud. Interested in creating something new with us!? Take Our Newsletter Survey! Today's Bible Verse "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." — Proverbs 16:18, ESV Ponder Today Pride rarely feels like pride from the inside — it often disguises itself as confidence or self-sufficiency, which is why regularly inviting God to search our hearts is so essential. The destruction that follows pride is not always dramatic — sometimes it is a slow drift away from God's best for us, a subtle straying from the path of righteousness and humility. Humility is not a personality trait we manufacture on our own — it is a gift from God, accessed through surrender, and sustained by His grace working in us day by day. Jesus, who had every reason to grasp for glory, chose the path of radical humility — His example is both our model and our motivation for laying down self-centeredness and pride. We all have blind spots, and pride is one of the most common — inviting trusted brothers and sisters in Christ to speak into our lives is one of the wisest safeguards against its subtle pull. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I repent for my self-reliance and pride. I realize that I cannot walk through life without Your help and Your grace, and I confess how quickly I am tempted to trust in my own abilities rather than in You. I ask for Your beautiful gift of humility to penetrate my heart. I lay down my self-centeredness and selfishness, and by Your grace, clothe myself in the humility that comes only from You. Search my heart and reveal any blind spots where pride has taken root without my realizing it. May You be glorified in all that I say and do. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What do you do when you have said yes to God, shown up faithfully year after year, and still cannot see a single sign that any of it is making a difference? The Bible study you have taught for five years with no visible fruit. The prayers over your children that feel like they fall on distracted ears. The invitations extended week after week to an empty pew beside you. It is one of the quietest and most persistent struggles of the faithful life — the gap between our obedience and the outcomes we are longing to see. Noah never saw the full impact of his yes to God. He built the ark, endured the flood, and lived out his days without any knowledge that centuries later, his faithfulness would be woven into the very lineage of Jesus Christ. He simply did everything God commanded him — without hesitation, without visible results, without the benefit of hindsight we now have. And because of one ordinary man's faithful obedience, the entire trajectory of human history was altered. The same God who worked through Noah's quiet, unsung faithfulness is working through yours. Obedience is ours; outcomes belong to God. And He who calls us is faithful — He will surely do it. Bible Verse "Noah did everything just as God commanded him." — Genesis 6:22, NIV Ponder Today Obedience is ours; outcomes belong to God — our calling is to say yes and remain faithful, trusting that He is working in ways we cannot yet see. Noah had no idea that his faithfulness would one day be woven into the lineage of Jesus Christ — our everyday acts of obedience may carry a far greater eternal weight than we realize. The absence of visible fruit does not mean the absence of God's work — He is always working all things for His glory and our good, even when the results are hidden from our view. Faithfulness is not a single dramatic moment of surrender — it is the daily, quiet, unglamorous choice to trust God and follow His leading without hesitation. We are products of someone else's faithfulness — and someone in the future may be the product of ours. That is the extraordinary impact of ordinary obedience. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, when You ask us to do something, may we respond like Noah — without hesitation and in complete obedience. Grant us hearts committed to Your work and the trust to leave the outcomes in Your hands. May we search our hearts and ask what it is You are calling us to step out in faith and do for Your kingdom. Make us so attuned to the Holy Spirit that we say yes to Your leading, even when others don't understand. Like Noah, may we walk with You in righteousness, one faithful day at a time. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope April 17, 2026   Scripture: 1 Timothy 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today rejoicing in your holy name.  You are such a good God.  It's so hard for us to conceive that the God who put the stars in the sky and put the planets into motion is the same God who loves us and has numbered the hairs on our heads.  We thank you so much for your love and care.  Open our minds and hearts as we approach your Word today.  Help us hear a word from you.  How we yearn to hear from you, Lord.  We need you.  Over and over again, we need you.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We have been journeying through the letters of Paul chronologically.  We are starting our eleventh letter today; can you believe it?  I would love to hear about what you have been learning from these readings.  We have covered a lot of ground. Today's reading is 1 Timothy 1.  In this letter to Timothy, Paul gives instruction to his younger friend about how to lead the churches in Ephesus.  Paul intends to travel there soon but expects to be delayed and thus, writes this letter to encourage and guide Timothy. But this is not a private letter.  It was written to Timothy with the intention that these instructions be read aloud to the churches.  It's not a very long letter, but Paul addresses a number of topics in it, including doctrine and a warning against false teachers, public worship, guidelines for pastors and deacons, moral instruction, social responsibilities, and how to deal with material possessions.  This all would have been in reaction to struggles the churches were encountering.  Towards the end of this first chapter, Paul gives a mini testimony.  He speaks about being a blasphemer and a persecutor (v. 14) but Christ showed grace toward him.  From a worldly perspective, there wasn't much hope for him.  But no one is beyond the grace of God.  In fact, Paul says that Christ's grace was poured out abundantly, and overflowed, in his life.  And then, Paul makes some pretty strong, definitive statements.  He is responding to the deceptive and false teachers who were confusing the new believers. Read through verses 15-17 again... Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.  But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.  Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Paul makes it clear that the Gospel message is trustworthy, unlike the hollow claims of the false teachers. Christ came into the world to save sinners. Thus, the Gospel message is true AND universal.  Jesus came to save the whole world.  The Gospel is also personal. Paul speaks of his own experience of the Gospel.  He was a pretty bad sinner and Jesus even saved him.  Why did God show him this amazing mercy and grace?  To demonstrate his immense patience as an example to others who might believe in him.  Have you experienced the Gospel as trustworthy, universal, and personal?  Do you know it as TRUE?  Do you understand that Jesus' offer of salvation is for all nations, all tribes, all people? Finally, have you personally experienced Jesus as your savior?  Have you said YES to Jesus' offer of grace, repented of your sins, and decided to live a life following Jesus? If not, today can be your day!  Maybe you need to recommit your life to Jesus. You've wandered, you've walked away, or you've simply been going through the motions.  Today is the day to make a new commitment to Jesus Christ. Blessings, Pastor Vicki    

There are battles in life that are simply too big for us — the kind where we have exhausted every option, tried every solution, and still find ourselves standing at the edge of an impossible situation with nowhere to turn. In those moments, the helplessness is not a sign that something has gone wrong. It may be the very place where God shows up most powerfully. The Israelites knew that feeling. Trapped at the edge of the Red Sea with Pharaoh's army closing in behind them, there was no strategy left, no escape route, no human solution. And it was there — in the middle of the impossible — that God spoke one of the most breathtaking promises in all of Scripture: "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Not passive resignation, but an active trust that releases the battle into the hands of the One who owns it completely. Whatever you are facing today — the diagnosis that is bigger than your resources, the fear that whispers you are alone, the situation that has no clear path forward — God has not forgotten you and He has not left you to figure it out on your own. He is your defender. He is your deliverer. And He is already at work in what you cannot yet see. Bible Verse "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." — Exodus 14:14 Ponder Today The battles that feel too big for us are often the very places where God shows up most powerfully — our helplessness is not a dead end, it is an invitation for Him to move. Being still is not the same as giving up — it is an active, trusting surrender that releases our grip on a battle we were never meant to carry alone. God doesn't simply offer to help us fight — He owns the battle entirely, and He doesn't need our strategy or strength, only our stillness and our trust. Fear will always try to convince us that we are alone in the fight, but God's Word tells us something different — He is our defender and our deliverer. When the enemy feels larger than our strength and the diagnosis feels bigger than our resources, that is precisely where God shows up — and often shows off. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I bring You the battle I cannot win on my own — the situation that feels too big, the fear that is telling me I am alone in this fight. But Your Word tells me something different. You will fight for me. I don't have to force a solution or exhaust myself trying to control what I was never meant to carry. Teach me what it truly means to be still — not giving up, but trusting that You are already at work in what I cannot yet see. Thank You that I don't have to face this alone. You are my defender, my deliverer, and my God. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope April 13, 2026   Scripture: Colossians 2   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, On this Monday, we come to you today in awe.  You are almighty and wise but also filled with love and mercy.  And we have the pleasure of experiencing that love and mercy.  Despite our brokenness, you care for us and you continue to walk alongside us.  Thank you, Lord, for your patience.  Help us to focus more on you.  Fill us with a consuming desire to know you better.  Work in us.  Stretch us.  Challenge us.  Convict us.  We love you.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are journeying through Paul's letters and now we find ourselves in Paul's ninth letter, when we look at them chronologically.    Today's reading is Colossians 2.  Paul was very concerned that the people of the Colossian church would be swayed by fancy and smart-sounding arguments.  The arguments of false teachers often sound very convincing.  They typically take a small bit of truth and twist it so that it sounds just right enough that people will be convinced.  Paul knew this.  His goal was for them to grow in their knowledge of Christ, become mature, well-developed disciples, so they would see through the untruths.    If they were rooted in Christ, like a solid tree with deep roots, then they would be less apt to be affected by the winds of false teachings.  I love this idea of growing our roots deep into Jesus Christ.  If we look at plants, we tend to focus on that which we can see.  We see the trunk, the branches, and the leaves, and they maybe very beautiful.  But what's most important is what we can't see-the deep roots which are vital to the health and longevity of the tree.  If a bad storm comes, the tree will stay put because its roots are deep and strong.  Paul wanted the Colossian church to have a deep root system as well, one that was firmly based in Jesus Christ.  If they grew into strong, mature believers with strong roots, then they would be much less likely to be swayed by the fancy, sophisticated arguments of false teachers.   Historically, we haven't focused on having deep roots.  In fact, our discipleship in most American churches has been quite shallow.  We have required little of our members; we've asked them to simply warm a pew.  Where has that gotten us?  Being rooted in Jesus Christ means so much more than church attendance.  It means reading and knowing God's Word and abiding with Jesus through prayer and Scripture reading.  It means connecting with others for real accountability and listening to others who tell us hard truths about life and faith.  It means serving others with the love of Jesus.  It means giving sacrificially.  And when the strong winds blow, we are ready.  We stay solid and united in Jesus Christ, our roots strong and steady.   Let's convene again tomorrow.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki      

What does your prayer life really sound like when the circumstances don't make sense and your heart is full of questions you're not sure you're allowed to ask? So many of us have learned to bring God only our polished prayers — the ones that sound faithful and composed — while quietly stuffing down the frustration, the confusion, and the honest cry of a heart that doesn't understand what He is doing. But what if God isn't looking for our composure? What if He is actually inviting us to bring Him all of it? Habakkuk didn't tiptoe around his grief or dress up his doubts in careful language. He brought his full, unfiltered self before God — questioning, pushing back, wrestling openly — and God didn't turn him away. He met him there. And though God never explained Himself or changed His plan, something profound shifted in Habakkuk through the wrestling. By the final verses of his book, this grieving prophet arrives at one of Scripture's most breathtaking declarations of trust: "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." Not because his circumstances changed, but because his vision of God grew bigger than his circumstances. That is the invitation for us today — to bring our real selves before God, have our wrestle, and then choose to rejoice in the One who is always, always sovereign. Today's Bible Verse "Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." — Habakkuk 3:18, NIV Ponder Today God can handle our wrestling — He doesn't ask us to come to Him with polished prayers, but with honest hearts, just as Habakkuk did. Bringing our frustrations and questions to God is not a lack of faith; it is faith in action, trusting that He is big enough to hold our doubts. God didn't explain Himself to Habakkuk, yet through their exchange, Habakkuk's faith was deepened — sometimes the wrestling itself is the answer. Rejoicing in God is a choice, not a feeling — Habakkuk chose joy not because his circumstances improved, but because his trust in God's sovereignty grew stronger. God knows our every thought already; we have nothing to hide from Him, so we can cast our cares upon Him openly and without shame (1 Peter 5:7). Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God who desires to hear from Your children — all of it, even the hard parts. Like Habakkuk, give us the strength to come before You boldly and honestly, without hiding our struggles or dressing up our doubts. When we don't understand Your ways, remind us that Your ways are higher than ours. May we choose to rejoice even when we don't like Your plan, and may our hearts ultimately rest in full trust and faith in You. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Time is a vapor — here for a moment, then gone. And in the brevity of this life, there are still countless people who have never once heard the name of Jesus spoken as good news. That reality stirred something deep in Keneesha Saunders Liddie, and in this episode, she invites us to let it stir something in us too. The Great Commission was never meant to feel distant or reserved for the exceptionally called — it was given to all of us, right where we stand, with the people already in our lives. Think about the faces you see every week — your neighbor who waves from the driveway, the coworker who eats lunch alone, the family member who has never quite found their way to faith. Each of them is someone Jesus died for, and each of them deserves the chance to hear why. Keneesha also reminds us that for those God has called to go further — into remote, dangerous, and unreached places — our prayers and our generosity are not optional extras. They are our participation in the mission. Somewhere out there, someone will be the last person to hear the gospel and make a choice. Until that day, we are the hands and feet of Jesus. May we live — and speak — like we believe it. Today's Bible Verse "And he told them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to everyone.'" — Mark 16:15 Ponder Today The Great Commission starts close to home — personal evangelism with our neighbors, coworkers, and family members is just as vital to the kingdom as overseas missions. Not everyone is called to go, but every believer is called to something — whether that's going, giving generously, or praying faithfully for those on the mission field. People cannot choose Jesus if they have never heard about Him — we carry a responsibility to share the gospel so that every person has the opportunity to respond. Boldness in evangelism doesn't mean being pushy — it means asking God for wisdom and the right timing, then trusting Him to open the doors. We show the world we love them by caring about their eternal destiny — compassion for the lost is at the very heart of what it means to love God and love people. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for the gospel — the greatest good news the world has ever known. Thank You for those who have answered the call to preach it in remote and dangerous places; protect them, provide for them, and keep their feet beautiful as they go. Help me give generously to support world missions, and remind me to pray faithfully for those on the front lines. And right where I am, use me as a mouthpiece for Your truth — to shine Your light and share Your good news boldly and lovingly. In Jesus' name, Amen.

When life takes an unexpected turn, it's easy to reach for the right words — God is in control, He has a plan — and mean them, while also feeling how thin they sound against the weight of real fear. In this episode, Rachel Wojo opens up about the season her husband lost his job, and the long, uncertain eight months that followed. She believed in God's character. She just couldn't see His plan. And that gap between what we know to be true and what we can actually feel is exactly where faith is forged. Proverbs 3:5-6 doesn't ask us to trust God's plan — it asks us to trust God Himself. That distinction matters deeply when the circumstances in front of us make no sense and our own understanding is sounding every alarm. Rachel reminds us that the most significant things God does in a waiting season often aren't visible in our bank accounts or our calendars — they happen quietly inside us, deepening our faith in ways that comfortable seasons simply cannot. If you find yourself in a season where you can't see what God is doing, this episode is a gentle, honest reminder that His character has not changed. He is still faithful. He has never failed. Today's Bible Verse "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5-6 Ponder Today There is a crucial difference between trusting God's plan and trusting God's character — His character remains constant even in seasons when His plan is completely hidden from view. The words we know to be true about God can feel thin in hard seasons — and that's okay. Faith isn't the absence of struggle; it's choosing to trust Him in the middle of it. Waiting seasons are not wasted seasons — God does some of His deepest work in us during the months when nothing seems to be happening on the outside. Today's Prayer Heavenly Father, I'll be honest — I can't see what You're doing right now. My circumstances look more like a problem than a plan, and my logic keeps trying to take over. But I know You're not asking me to understand; You're asking me to trust. So today I choose to lean on Your character instead of my confusion. You are faithful, You are good, and You have never failed. Make my paths straight, Lord, even when the road ahead is hidden. Do the deep work in me that only waiting can produce. I trust in You — the One who never fails. In Jesus' name, Amen. Enjoy Today's Prayer? If this episode encouraged you, we'd love to stay connected! Subscribe to the LifeAudio newsletter at LifeAudio.com for daily prayers, devotionals, and faith-filled content delivered straight to your inbox. Don't miss an episode — subscribe and share with someone who needs encouragement today. If you like this podcast, be sure to check out our sister podcast, Your Nightly Prayer - an evening Christian prayer podcast to help you end your day in conversation with God. https://www.lifeaudio.com/your-nightly-prayer/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I remember reading in grade school that the human appendix is a useless organ. My textbook said that scientists thought that the appendix was once used to help digest the tree bark that our supposed ape-like ancestors ate. Does the human body have "extra" parts? Do we have organs that we no longer use because we have evolved away from needing them?Atheists have argued that our "useless" organs prove that we weren't created. No Creator, they said, would make useless organs that can threaten our health. Creationists responded that since our knowledge of the human body is incomplete, we cannot say that an organ is useless simply because we are ignorant of its job.In the 1890s, scientists said that the human body has about 180 organs that are useless leftovers of our past evolution. As a result, doctors used to be quick to remove a child's tonsils. Today, we know that our tonsils have several jobs and are an important part of our immune system. Our appendix has been found to serve as a backup for other organs. If your spleen is damaged, your appendix will take over some of its functions. Wisdom teeth are important in chewing food, especially when the diet includes more coarse materials.The argument over whether we have extra parts left over from evolution has been completely won by creationists. Today, science recognizes that we have no useless leftovers from evolution.1 Peter 2:15-16“For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”Prayer: Heavenly Father, You know all things, and we know so little. Help me to realize my error when I imagine that I know things about which I am in fact ignorant. Through Your Word, enlighten me with truth. In Jesus' Name. Amen.REF.: Jerry Bergman, Ph.D. Vestigial Organs: A Brief Summary of the Latest Research.  To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

Daily Dose of Hope March 20, 2026   Scripture: Romans 12   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come to you today praising your holy name.  You are a good God!  Thank you for caring for us, for walking alongside us, but  most of all thank you for Jesus, who died our death, so that we can walk hand in hand with you.  Help us live like resurrection people in the way of Jesus.  We don't want to get stuck in our religion.  We want to live transformed lives in Jesus.  How we need you, Lord.  We are stubborn people.  Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through Paul's letters.  We are now in the book of Romans.  Don't forget to let me know what you are learning.  Offer feedback – let me know about your big takeaways.   Today, we read through Romans 12.  Just so you know, Romans 12 is some of my very favorite New Testament Scripture!  It is incredibly powerful.  Paul is saying that because of this amazing gift of salvation, those who receive it should be truly committed to God.  Christ-followers should dedicate their whole life in service to Jesus Christ, become living sacrifices.    This would have had significant meaning to Paul's audience, as the sacrificial system was still alive and well.  But unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, Christ-followers voluntarily offer their living bodies, every part of their existence, to the work of Jesus in the world.  They make Jesus not simply their savior but also their Lord.  Doing this is the kind of worship that God finds right and pleasing.  We might call this surrendering everything to King Jesus.   This clearly separates us from the surrounding culture.  Living for Jesus rather than ourselves or things of this world is unusual.  People notice.  Paul urges the Romans to not fit so well into their culture but experience life change as Jesus transforms their thinking.  Faith isn't just about the heart and emotions but also about the mind.  God wants to change our way of thinking so that we better reflect Jesus.  Do we fit into our culture?  Be honest with yourself.  Do your neighbors, coworkers, and other acquaintances know that you belong to Jesus?  Is your thinking more influenced by Scripture and the things of God or the national news, politics, and social media?  How easy it is to simply blend right into the culture around us. Paul's words to the Romans certainly ring true for us today.   Paul addresses several other concepts here too.  He talks about spiritual gifts.  Similar to the Corinthians, there is evidence the Romans also were arguing about which gifts were better.  Paul makes it clear that all the gifts are critical.  Plus, all believers belong to each other.  The church cannot function without everyone and their various gifts.  No one should be conceited – just keep in mind that by itself, your gift just isn't that great.   Finally, there is Paul's closing to the chapter.  I just love this.  He is talking about how to demonstrate love to other people.  If we all simply took this to heart, what a different place our community would be!  Paul emphasizes the Proverbs here, stating, "If your enemy is hungry, feed him;   if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."  Let's be real, the church hasn't been so good at this.  What would we as Jesus' church look like, what would we need to change, if we focused on not becoming overcome with evil but overcoming evil with good?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki            

A Prayer for Wisdom The days feel long, but the seasons are short. We never really know when a certain "last" will happen. In every changing season, God invites us to seek wisdom and embrace the shift. While that transition can sting, it also offers a beautiful opportunity. Instead of striving to remain the center of our children’s and grandchildren’s lives, we can intentionally point them to the One who should be. Reference: James 3: 13-18 Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me live a life that glorifies you before my family. Trying to be their all in all not only sets me up for failure and disappointment, but far more importantly such misguided efforts keep me from pointing them to. When I forget, because I will, and I'm feeling like I'm on the outside of their lives looking in, remind me of this greater goal. I want to live demonstrating to my family that you are my joy and my heart's desire. Despite how dear my loved ones are to me, you are the well that never runs dry. In Jesus' name we pray, amen LINKS: Order Everyday Prayers for Love Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Bread by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson God’s Word was never meant to be rushed through like a quick snack between tasks.In today's episode, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson reminds us of Jesus's encouragement Matthew 4:4 that we don’t live on physical food alone. Our souls need spiritual nourishment too. Just as our bodies need time to digest food, our hearts and minds need time to meditate on God’s Word so it can truly shape who we are.When we slow down, reflect, and carry Scripture with us throughout the day, God’s truth becomes more than words we read—it becomes life within us. Reference: Matthew 4:4 Prayer: Heavenly Father, forgive me for all the times I've snacked on your word like it's just another part of the food pyramid instead of acknowledging that your words are life remind me that i'm not eating the bread of life as a service for you i'm reading it so i can know you better and love you more in Jesus name we pray amen LINKS: Order Everyday Prayers for Love Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope March 3, 2026   Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, Provider, Sustainer, Thank you for being the God who creates, cares, loves, and saves.  All we have is from you.  As we talk about today's text, give us a fresh revelation; help us see your Word in a new way. Lord, thank you most of all for Jesus.  Thank you for his sacrifice.  Thank you for showing us a different way of doing life.  Help us actually live the way you taught us.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently working our way through the pastoral letters of Paul.  We are nearing the end of 2 Corinthians. Our reading today is 2 Corinthians 12. In this chapter, Paul continues his discussion on boasting but it takes a definite turn.   He tells the Corinthians to be careful not to lift up visions and revelations but instead to have the humility to share how God has showed up in difficult seasons, times of weakness.  Paul had quite a divine encounter on the road to Damascus during which he met Christ and he could boast about it.  It was an impressive story!  Sometimes, he choose to share his experience because it was such a powerful testimony  But he is telling the Corinthians to be careful here.  There are times when that is appropriate and there are times when it isn't.  Use discernment and be careful of motives in sharing divine experiences.  When he finishes with the "foolishness" boasting about his attributes (which you recall he did to make a point to his rivals), he quickly states that he will only boast in his weaknesses. Because in our weaknesses, God demonstrates his power. In our weaknesses and shortcomings, Jesus has room to do his work. We only think our earthly attributes make us strong. It is truly our weaknesses that make us strong because that's where God comes in and demonstrates his miraculous work.  Paul speaks of a thorn in his side.  He calls it a "messenger of Satan" sent to both harass him and keep him humble.  I've read all kinds of things that this thorn could have been.  It might have possibly been a physical illness, such as a chronic illness.  One scholar mentioned an eye issue, although I have no idea how he came up with that.  Other academics have suggested that Paul could have been dealing with a mental health issue, such as depression.  Considering all he had been through, this would certainly make sense.  Still others say that Paul was battling a spiritual attack.  Really, it could be any or all of these.  And we will never know.  Maybe that is better.  Because all of us deal with a thorn in our flesh too. We all have something we struggle with, something that reminds us of our weakness and humbles us.  Paul says in today's chapter that he pleaded to God for help.  You may have also pleaded to God to help you with your thorn.  Paul wants the Corinthians to know, and this is very helpful for us too, that God didn't ignore his pleas.  Rather, God told Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."  Basically, God had given Paul all he needed to come out victorious in this situation.  When Paul was weak, God was strong.  So, stop whining, stand up and use the weapons and power I have provided to you! What are your weaknesses? Rather than lamenting about them, have you ever thought that Christ might use them for his glory? Take a moment and spend some time in prayer, submitting your weaknesses, really your whole life, to Jesus today. Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 Praying with Purpose If you are like me, there is a good chance that at some time in your life, you prayed for millions of dollars. Especially when I was a child, I had a long list of things that I would do with those million dollars. Of course, I would give some of it to church, but the main point of asking was to get something for myself. Maybe things change when you grow up a little. Perhaps you no longer say as many self-centered prayers. Yet, because we are sinful human beings, our prayers can still be tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride. When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a purpose that displayed Godly motivation. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray ‘Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m really going to look stupid!’ Elijah had but one reason for asking God to consume the altar he had built with fire: “…so these people will know that you, “LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” When we pray for ministries, job opportunities, and any blessing from God, we may be tempted to pray with all kinds of selfish motives. But remember that what matters in this world is not so much WHAT we accomplish, but FOR WHOM we accomplish it. Like Elijah, we too can pray with this one purpose in mind: that people may know that the Lord is God. Then, however God chooses to answer our prayers, we will continue to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Prayer: Heavenly Father, move my heart to utter prayers that are pleasing in your sight. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260207dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, LORD, answer me, so these people will know that you, LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” 1 Kings 18:36-37 Praying with Purpose If you are like me, there is a good chance that at some time in your life, you prayed for millions of dollars. Especially when I was a child, I had a long list of things that I would do with those million dollars. Of course, I would give some of it to church, but the main point of asking was to get something for myself. Maybe things change when you grow up a little. Perhaps you no longer say as many self-centered prayers. Yet, because we are sinful human beings, our prayers can still be tainted with improper motivation: selfishness, greed, and pride. When Elijah prayed, he prayed with a purpose that displayed Godly motivation. When he confronted the prophets of Baal on Mt. Carmel, he wasn’t there to bring glory to himself. He didn’t pray ‘Lord, if this doesn’t work, I’m really going to look stupid!’ Elijah had but one reason for asking God to consume the altar he had built with fire: “…so these people will know that you, “LORD, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” When we pray for ministries, job opportunities, and any blessing from God, we may be tempted to pray with all kinds of selfish motives. But remember that what matters in this world is not so much WHAT we accomplish, but FOR WHOM we accomplish it. Like Elijah, we too can pray with this one purpose in mind: that people may know that the Lord is God. Then, however God chooses to answer our prayers, we will continue to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. Prayer: Heavenly Father, move my heart to utter prayers that are pleasing in your sight. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Prayer for the Courage to Follow God's Leading by April Graney What does it look like to obey God when the path ahead is unclear? In this episode, we reflect on Abraham’s faith-filled obedience and connect it to a modern-day story of trusting God’s leading—even when it doesn’t make sense at first. Through a personal testimony of a daughter and son-in-law stepping into missionary work in Guatemala, we are reminded that obedience often requires courage, surrender, and trust. God’s call may not come with all the details, but His presence always goes with us. Reference: Hebrews 11:8 Prayer: Heavenly Father, I pray for the courage to listen for your voice and to obey the callings that you place on our lives. May we also support and encourage that calling in our children’s lives. We release our children into your loving hands, and pray your blessing upon them and those they touch with your love and grace. Amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Household Harmony by Danika Cooley A home grounded in God’s Word becomes a place where peace can grow. Even when emotions run high or relationships feel strained, Jesus remains the steady rhythm that holds everything together.In today's episode, we look at Romans 15 and it reminds us that Scripture was written to instruct, encourage, and help us endure. God Himself is the source of harmony, and when our lives align with the teachings of Jesus, our voices—though different—can glorify Him together. Reference: Romans 15:5-6 Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the endurance and encouragement you offer us in your Word. As we walk with you, please help our home to be a house of peace because we know you and we know your Word. I ask that you equip us to live in harmony with each other. Help our family glorify Jesus both at home and in public. Let our testimony as Christ-followers be tangible to all who meet us. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope January 13, 2026   Scripture: I Thessalonians 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you today with a sense of gratefulness.  You are a God who loves us despite all our faults.  You provide for us despite our selfishness.  You answer our prayers despite our impatience.  Lord, we are so thankful and rejoice in your Holy and perfect name.  Forgive us for the times in which we fall short and we know they are many.  Lord Jesus, how we want to do better.  Help us see others through your eyes.  We so need you.  More of you and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently on a journey through the letters of Paul, working through them in chronological order.  We just completed Paul's letter to the Galatians yesterday and today, we begin I Thessalonians.   Let's talk a little bit about Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica.  There are some scholars who actually think this letter may have predated Galatians, but the general consensus is that Galatians was written in 49-50 and I Thessalonians was written around 50-51.  They were certainly close together, but the letters are very different.  While Galatians is critical in nature (in response to false teachers who were trying to corrupt the Gospel), I Thessalonians is an encouraging letter in which Paul teaches about living Godly lives during difficult persecution.  I Thessalonians was also written during Paul's second missionary journey.   We get the backstory of this letter in Acts 17.  Paul and Silas have gone to Thessalonica, preach the Gospel, and pretty quickly there is a strong Christian community there.  But the Christians there are accused of defying the emperor by saying they believe in another king, Jesus (refer to Acts 17:7).  Paul and Silas end up leaving the city because of the ruckus.  In this first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul is trying to reconnect.  He's heard from Timothy that the Thessalonian church is doing well, despite the continued persecution.  The letter is actually from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, as they are together in Corinth and have this urge to keep the Thessalonians encouraged.    Let's look at the letter itself in chapter 1.  It was normal in an ancient letter to include some kind of prayer for the recipient after the greeting. The authors state that they continually thank God for all the people in the church, and that they remember them before God because of their work produced through faith and love and their endurance inspired by hope in Jesus.   I am most intrigued by the line "endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ."  Endurance is the ability to keep going, to persevere, in the face of difficulty and suffering. We don't know exactly what kind of persecution the Thessalonian Christians were facing but it must have been pretty bad. And Paul was worried about them. They were new believers-how would they withstand these hardships? Would their faith crumble or strengthen? Apparently, they remained strong and steadfast, despite their limited experience in the faith.   This idea of endurance through hardship becomes a virtue in the early church. Here is the important part: their endurance was not a result of some kind of internal emotional strength or resolve but was a result of their hope in Jesus. Their hope was rooted in the second coming of Jesus, which will become a theme throughout this letter.   Think about your own life. How would you rate your endurance in the face of hardship? While we don't face the same kind of persecution as the Thessalonian church, we still deal with other challenges. How is your faith grounded in the hope of Christ?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki

A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep by Paige Collins Few things unsettle a mother’s heart like a child waking in the night, frightened and inconsolable.In this episode by Paige Collins, we talk honestly about that ache, the helplessness we feel in the dark hours, and the responsibility we carry as mothers who long to protect our children.Psalm 4:8 reminds us of a powerful truth: our children’s safety does not rest on our vigilance, worry, or late-night searching for answers. It rests in God alone. While we take practical steps to care for our children, we are also invited to stand in spiritual authority—anchoring our parenting in prayer and God’s promises. Reference: Psalm 4:8 Prayer: Heavenly Father, as a mother covered by Your grace, I boldly declare Your promise of Psalm 4:8 over my child tonight, that my child will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone make him dwell in safety. I ask you to guard my child’s mind and spirit against nightmares, night terrors, and every harmful influence, and replace his/her fears and worries, with your perfect peace and supernatural comfort. In Jesus’ name, amen. LINKS: 5 Habits of a Praying Mom Follow Everyday Prayers @MillionPrayingMoms Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Daily Dose of Hope January 5, 2026   Scripture:  Galatians 1   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, We come before you at the beginning of a new year, a new week, and even a new reading plan, and we thank you for all you've done for us.  You are such a good God.  You are a God who provides, protects, cares, loves, saves, sustains, guides, and directs our paths.  As we head into all these "new" things, Lord, we pray that you will lead us also into a new sense of understanding about who you are.  Help us grow, learn, and be open to thinking about our walk with you in new ways.  Challenge us, Lord.  Stretch us.  Get us out of our comfort zone.  All for your glory.  We want to be stronger disciples.  We want to know you better and be bold in our witness.  It's in your name we pray, Amen.   Welcome to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading.  Today, we are starting our new reading plan, a journey through the letters of Paul.  We will walk through all thirteen of Paul's letters, going in chronological order.  My prayer is that this new reading plan will be a blessing to you and you will learn and grow in your walk with Jesus.   According to the book of Acts, Paul went on three missionary journeys.  (Some scholars think he may have taken a fourth to Spain but we don't have a lot of evidence for that.)  What we do know from Scripture is that during those three extensive journeys, Paul established churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), in Macedonia, and Greece.  We also know from the end of Acts that Paul went to Rome to stand before Caesar, and there was a church already established there when he arrived.  Apparently, believers from other other places had already established a Christian community.    But all of these churches were young and had their struggles.  Paul sent pastoral letters to many of the churches in response to specific needs or concerns.  He often gave encouragement but he also gave strong criticism and warning as needed.  Some of Paul's letters helped these congregations work through doctrinal issues, while others address more practical concerns.  These letters were hand-delivered to the churches and read aloud to the congregation.  So, as we read these, keep in mind they were intended to be read to a group of believers.  Sometimes individuals are mentioned but the group as a whole is the audience.  The letter would then be passed along to other churches in the region.    The first letter Paul wrote was to the churches in Galatia, what we call the book of Galatians.  The region of Galatia was in central Asia Minor and included several cities to which Paul evangelized during his first missionary journey, including Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe. Most scholars believer that Paul penned this letter around AD 48 or 49.   What was going on with the Galatians?  Why was the letter necessary?    Since Paul had established the various congregations in Galatia, the churches had been plagued by false teachers. These false teachers were Jewish Christians who fiercely rejected the Gospel that Paul preached, that people are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Rather, these Jewish Christians were saying that to be saved, people must also be circumcised and follow the whole law of Moses. Besides rejecting the Gospel, they also attacked Paul's credibility. Throughout the letter, we will see Paul continually going back to these two themes-his credibility and apostleship AND the gift of grace offered by the Good News of Jesus.    In this first chapter, Paul is clear that anything less than the true Gospel is not the Gospel at all. Those who teach that something other than faith is needed for salvation are twisting the Good News and Paul expresses shock that the Galatians would be so quick to believe this false teaching.  He tells them that the Gospel he teaches is not from humans but from the risen Lord himself.  He provides support to this by sharing his own conversion story from strict Judaism to belief in Jesus Christ and what God had affirmed to him through this miracle.    Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone is the core teaching of our faith. Are there times in which we try to twist this doctrine? Do we add or subtract from it?  How often have we been around "good churchgoing people" who think that salvation comes from simply being a good person?  Or, people think that in order to receive salvation, they need Jesus and good works?  It can be subtle.  We have to really dig deep here.  What do you believe about salvation?  Do you, deep down, believe that you are saved by Jesus Christ ALONE – by his saving work on the cross and nothing else?  Or, have you tried to add or subtract from this?   Take some time today and really pray on this.  It's crucial, my friends.   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

Daily Dose of Hope December 26, 2025   Scripture – Acts 25   Prayer:  Heavenly Father, you are almighty and all-powerful.  You are God of all and yet you care for us.  Thank you, Lord.  Help us settle our scattered thoughts and be silent before you...Thank you, Jesus.  Please guide us as we reflect on your Word today.  Meet us in the midst of our reading and this devotional.  In Your Name, Amen.    Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  I hope you had a great Christmas day yesterday!  We have been on a wonderful journey of reading and reflecting on Scripture over the last eight months, specifically the four Gospels and the book of Acts.  After today, we only have three more days in Acts.  We will take a brief break and then we will begin again on January 5, 2026, to walk through the letters of Paul in chronological order.  I hope you will join us for that as well.   Today, we are working through Acts 25.  Paul's on-going custody and trial continues in this chapter. Felix was recalled to Rome to handle some other events. The man who followed him died after just two years and now we find ourselves introduced to the new governor, Festus. So this means that Paul has been in custody for over two years!   Festus quickly demonstrates that, while he will listen to the Jewish leaders' accusations against Paul, he will not be bullied by them. He appears to want to give Paul a fair hearing once again. Now, the Jews were accusing Paul of both religious and civil offenses. Even if he were not innocent, this raises red flags among the Roman authorities. So Paul uses last card, an appeal to Caesar himself, which was his right to do as a Roman citizen. This also means the Gospel message will now move further up the government ladder. God is at work here.  Think of all the people along this journey that are being exposed to the Gospel message – people at every level of government and society.   I do want to point out Paul's faith here.  He is unwavering.  He knows what going back to Jerusalem would mean and he stands firmly against it.  While we don't have specific Scripture to demonstrate this, we can assume that Paul feels God leading him to go to Caesar.  Paul didn't do anything without the guidance of the Holy Spirit.  We can safely assume that he is praying, listening, and obeying. AND trusting!   What do you learn from Paul's example here?  If you were being accused of an injustice, how would you handle the situation?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki  

There are moments in life when the world around us seems bright and festive, yet our own hearts feel dimly lit. That contrast can sting—especially during the holiday season, when expectations of joy are high and reality often feels far from picture-perfect. Rachel Wojo, host of Untangling Prayer, shares a powerful story of encountering Emmanuel in one of the loneliest places imaginable: a hospital waiting room at 3 AM. Instead of twinkling lights, she faced fluorescent glare. Instead of joyful noise, she faced the anxious hum of machines and rushed footsteps. And yet—it was there she felt the weight of Jesus’ name in a new way. God with us didn’t begin—and doesn’t end—in a Bethlehem stable. Emmanuel is God with us in the places we never wanted to be. God with us when fear tightens our chest. God with us when plans unravel. God with us when holiday expectations crash into painful realities. The incarnation isn’t just a Christmas story; it is the eternal declaration that God stepped into our humanity so we would never face anything alone. In every waiting room, every heartbreak, every sleepless night, every holiday that feels heavy—He is still Emmanuel. God with us. God with you. Right now. Bible Reading:“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). — Matthew 1:23 Main Takeaways Emmanuel means God with us in every circumstance—not just the joyful ones. Jesus came to enter real human pain, fear, and loneliness. God’s presence fills the moments that feel the most empty. The name “Emmanuel” is God’s unbreakable promise: You are not alone. We can praise God for being present even when our circumstances remain difficult. Today’s Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for Emmanuel, for choosing to come close instead of loving us from a distance. Thank You that when You saw our sorrow, You didn’t just send comfort—you came Yourself. I praise You for being God with us in every moment: the joyful, the ordinary, and the deeply painful. Thank You that Your presence does not depend on my circumstances. You are Emmanuel in the waiting rooms, in the fear, in the grief, and in the seasons that don’t look anything like I hoped. When loneliness whispers that I am alone, remind me that Your very name declares otherwise. Thank You that I never face a single moment without You. Be Emmanuel to my heart today—God with me, right here, right now. In Jesus’ name,Amen. Reflection Scriptures: Isaiah 7:14 John 1:14 Psalm 139:7–10 Hebrews 13:5 Want More? Subscribe to Your Daily Prayer wherever you get your podcasts Listen to Rachel's podcast: Untangling Prayer Share this devotion with a friend who is hurting this holiday season Explore related content on Crosswalk.com & Christianity.com: “What Does Emmanuel Really Mean?” “Finding God’s Presence in Suffering” “5 Places God Meets You in Seasons of Loneliness" Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer to Let Your Light Shine by Katie J. Trent Christmas lights have long symbolized joy, celebration, and warmth. But beyond the twinkle and sparkle, they also point us to a deeper truth: we are called to shine the light of Jesus in our everyday lives.In today's episode, Katie Trent reminds us to shine the light of Jesus in the world through our kindness, generosity, compassion, & love! Reference: Matthew 5:14-16 Prayer: Heavenly Father, show me how to let the light of Jesus shine through me and my children to bless those around us each day. Teach us to be sensitive to the needs of others and always willing to reach out and tangibly share Your love. Help our family to light up our world with Your hope, peace, joy, and love this holiday season. Amen. LINKS: How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide Connect with Katie Trent Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

A Prayer for Our Children to be Bold by April Graney How can we encourage our kids to stand boldly against the culture of today? In today's episode by April Graney, we look at the remarkable story of King Josiah, who became king at just eight years old and yet “did what was right in the Lord’s sight.” His wholehearted devotion to God, despite his evil family lineage, raises powerful questions about influence, courage, and the seeds of faith planted in childhood. Reference: 2 Kings 22: 1-2 Prayer: Heavenly Father, give my children the courage to follow you with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. Help them to rise up and boldly take a stand against evil in their midst while pointing the others to your unfailing love. In Jesus’ name, amen. LINKS: How to Pray God's Word For Your Children Guide Connect with April Get today's devotion and prayer in written form to keep for future use! Support the ministry with your $5 monthly gift through Patreon. Discover more Christian podcasts at LifeAudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at LifeAudio.com/contact-us Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.